We are all different and what works for one, may not appeal to another. If we are to make self-care a routine, then we need to include activities and behaviours which we want to adopt, which we can build into a hectic schedule, and which fits into our budget and resources.
The exercise in this piece, is part of COPE Scotland’s Jigsaw Lid Toolkit © and looks at the pieces needed for our personal Jigsaw lid. If improving your self-care is a priority for you, then you may find this a helpful exercise to reflect on what elements you want to put into your life to improve your selfcare and wellbeing.
You may feel you just don’t have time for self-care, your energy is totally depleted just getting through the day and you have nothing left to think about yourself. The Battery exercise in this piece may help you look at where you are currently putting your energy, how you can replenish your energy, and perhaps offer you space to reflect on where you can save energy. This has been shared as a workshop on many occasions and people have found it really helpful. A session was recorded at the Scottish Neo Natal Nurses Group annual conference 2023 which you can view here. There are also many other interesting recordings in that link to view.
There are many examples of selfcare on the QNIS, Capacitar and COPE Scotland websites. They are added to often. Our most recent additions on the COPE Scotland site includes a booklet which offers an introduction to Qigong for anyone interested in finding out more, before perhaps joining a class. There is also a poster which can be downloaded with tips on Living in the Now. We have a limited number of hard copies of the poster which we can send out for free. To enquire about one please email hilda@cope-scotland.org
In life we need balance, part of that is caring about and showing compassion to others, however, it also matters that we care about and show compassion to ourselves. Our wellbeing matters too.
There is a staff wellbeing special interest group within the Q Community which I convene. Guests are welcome to our sessions. We recently had a great presentation and discussion led by QN Suzanne Turner on the importance of civility in health and social care. You may find this site of interest Civility Saves Lives
The environment we work in and create for ourselves is also important to support self-care. Please think about making time and creating the conditions which work for you and your wellbeing, you are worth it. Often, we face stressors, it’s in the nature of our role. Self-care is important to help overcome or reduce the impact of that stress.
Thank you for reading.
Hilda Campbell MBE, Honorary Fellow QNIS
